Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service

Your neighborhood. Your News.

Milwaukee NNSnewsMilwaukee NNSSearch
Subscribe to NNS today!
Advertisement
  • Home
  • News
    • Arts and Recreation
    • Community
    • Economic Development
    • Education
    • Health and Wellness
    • Housing
    • Public Safety
    • NNS Spotlight
    • Special Report
  • Posts From Community
    • Submit a Story
  • Community Voices
  • How To
  • Multimedia
    • NNS Local Video
    • Photos
    • NNS on Lake Effect
    • NNS WGLB 1560 Radio
  • Subscribe
  • Donate
  • About
    • Staff
    • Partners
    • News 414
    • The neighborhoods we cover
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service

Diederich College of Communication, Marquette University

You are here: Home / "How To" articles / How to check a used car for flood damage

How to check a used car for flood damage

June 29, 2016 by Lisa Schiller, Better Business Bureau of Wisconsin Leave a Comment

Share this...
Share on Facebook
Facebook
Pin on Pinterest
Pinterest
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Share on LinkedIn
Linkedin
When buying a used car be on the lookout for rust. Rust inside the car is a strong indicator of water damage. (Photo by Rebecca Carballo)

When buying a used car be on the lookout for rust. Rust inside the car is a strong indicator of water damage. (Photo by Rebecca Carballo)

When you’re looking for a used car, you might not think about checking for flood damage, since there’s not a lot of severe flooding in Milwaukee. However, cars sold here come from all over the country, so check for flood damage before you buy. Shady sellers may not divulge the car’s history.

According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, flood-damaged cars can be unreliable and sellers have an arsenal of supplies and tactics to dress up a used car, even it if has been severely damaged. Rebuilders may be able to hide most of the cosmetic damage done by floods, but it’s difficult to completely repair an engine after it has been flooded.

Here are some tips to help you determine if a car is flood damaged:

  • Carefully inspect the vehicle. Check the glove compartment, trunk, seats and dashboard for signs of rust, mud or water damage. Signs of water damage could include water stains; sand under the carpet, floor mats and dashboard; mildew; faded, stained or discolored upholstery, seatbelts or carpeting; or loose-fitting carpet that does not match the interior color. Pay attention if there is fogging inside the headlights, taillights and gauges, as they can trap moisture. Also check all gauges on the dashboard to make sure they are working properly – and accurately.
  • Look for rust. Rust can be a sign of water damage and it’s hard to conceal. Internal rust is a red flag because it doesn’t happen through normal wear and tear.
  • Conduct a smell test. According to the DMV, the most obvious signs of flood damage are smell and watermarks. If there’s a damp, mildew-like scent, be suspicious of where the car has been. The smell may be strongest if the car has been sitting with its windows closed for a while. Also, be suspicious if there is a strong scent of cleaning products such as bleach or car fresheners, which may be used to mask the mold scent.
  • Take the car to a mechanic. Before buying a used car, have an experienced and trustworthy mechanic look it over for you. Ask the mechanic to inspect the mechanical and electrical components and any systems that hold fluids, and to look specifically for water damage.
  • Ask to see a Carfax report and the title. Check the date and the place of transfer to see if the car came from a flood-damaged state. You will also want to compare the odometer reading and check if the title is stamped with the word “salvage.” If the car’s history seems suspicious, ask the dealer or individual directly if the car has been damaged by floodwater.
  • Report fraud. If you suspect a car dealer is knowingly selling a flood-damaged car or a salvaged car as a used car in “good condition,” contact your auto insurance company and local police department, and report it to the BBB. You can file a complaint at bbb.org or report it to BBB Scam Tracker at org/scamtracker, which could help alert others to a rip-off.

Share this...
Share on Facebook
Facebook
Pin on Pinterest
Pinterest
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Share on LinkedIn
Linkedin

Filed Under: "How To" articles

About Lisa Schiller, Better Business Bureau of Wisconsin

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement

Recent News

Legit landlords do exist. And Ihsan Atta is trying to prove it.

5 things to know and do this week in Milwaukee: May 16 to May 20

New Common Council President José Pérez draws on past experience to meet current challenges

Advertisement
Give today to support our mission. Donate to Milwaukee NNS.
Advertisement

News

  • Arts and Recreation
  • Economic Development
  • Education
  • Health and Wellness
  • Housing
  • Public Safety
  • NNS Spotlight
  • Special Reports

Engage with us

  • Posts from Community
  • Community Voices
  • Submit a Story

About NNS

  • Staff
  • Partners
  • News414
  • The neighborhoods we cover
  • Careers
  • Terms of use
  • Advertise

Connect with us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • RSS feed

Communities

Contact

mailing address
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Diederich College of Communication
Marquette University
1131 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Johnston Hall 430
Milwaukee, WI 53233

email
info@milwaukeenns.org

phone & fax
PHONE: 414.604.6397 FAX: 414.288.6494

Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service is a project of Diederich College of Communication and Marquette University.
© 2020 Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service. Terms of use.
1131 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee WI 53233 • info@milwaukeenns.org

Copyright © 2022 · News Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in